F ROM the side of the hill, which was here steep
and stony, a spout of gravel was dislodged, and
fell rattling and bounding through the trees. My
eyes turned instinctively in that direction, and I saw a
figure leap with great rapidity behind the trunk of a
pine. What it was, whether bear, or man, or monkey,
I could in nowise tell. It seemed dark and shaggy;
more I knew not. But the terror of this new apparition brought me to a stand.

I was now, it seemed, cut off upon both sides; behind me the murderers, before me this lurking non-
descript. And immediately I began to prefer the
dangers that I knew to those I knew not. Silver
himself appeared less terrible in contrast with this
creature of the woods, and I turned on my heel,
and, looking sharply behind me over my shoulder,
began to retrace my steps in the direction of the
boats.

Instantly the figure reappeared, and, making a wide
circuit, began to head me off. I was tired, at any
rate, but had I been as fresh as when I rose, I could
see it was in vain for me to contend in speed with
such an adversary. From trunk to trunk the creature

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